3D-printed Lithium-ion Battery Could Power Electric Vehicles, ...

3D-printed Lithium-ion Battery Could Power Electric Vehicles, ... 3D-printed Lithium-ion Battery Could Power Electric Vehicles, ... 3D-printed Lithium-ion Battery Could Power Electric Vehicles, Drones We rely on lithium-ion batteries every day to charge our smartphones, laptops, and many other electronics. One day they could power our electric vehicles. But the energy-storage capacity of lithium-ion batteries has struggled to keep up with the surging demands for their use.Now, engineers at Carnegie Mellon University say theyve found a way to significantly extend lithium-ion battery life by using a new method to print 3-D electrodes.The lattice printing 3-D method could not only extend battery life, it could serve to create batteries made from materials like silicon, which would give the batteries faster recharging times and, when used in electric cars, longer range time. The low-weight and high-energy-capacity batteries the printing method create could also power small, light device s, like drones.For You Making the Next-Generation Lithium-Ion Batteries Safer, Longer-LastingAll batteries contain two metal electrodes, a negatively charged anode and the positively charged cathode, separated by a substance called the electrolyte. A lithium-ion battery, or Li-ion battery, is a rechargeable battery in which lithium ions move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode during discharge, and then move back when chargingLithium-ion battery electrodes 3-D printed with a lattice provides channels for lithium to move effectively into the electrode. Image Rahul Panat / Carnegie Mellon UniversityThe Carnegie Mellon teams electrodes are printed using Aerosol Jet technology, which assembles droplets one-by-one to create electrodes with lattice-like, interlaced structures with complex geometries that can be created using the current electrode-printing methods, said Rahul Panat, associate professor of mechanical engineering at the university.Right now, lithium-ion bat tery electrodes are 3-D printed through an extrusion method that lays down fingers of the material one atop the other to form a solid gruppe of material. Lithium has a hard time penetrating that solid block to charge the electrode, Panat said.Lithium has to penetrate throughout volume of electrode for it to be fully utilized, he said. In todays commercially available batteries, you have about 30 to 50 percent of the lithium used.The chemical, on the other hand, can easily diffused throughout the channels and pores of the latticed electrode to completely saturate the electrode. The researchers have found that lithium saturates 100 percent of the batterys electrode when its printed using their technique.A 3-D printed, latticed electrode can make for a smaller battery that still carries the same charging capability of its larger, solid-electrode counterpart.Prof. Rahul Panat, Carnegie Mellon UniversityPanut worked with Jonghyun Park, an assistant professor of aerospace engineering at M issouri University of Science and Technology to develop the new printing method.Because it has more energy storage capacity, the latticed electrode can be used to make a smaller battery that still carries the same charging capability of its larger, solid-electrode counterpart.Or it could make the same-size battery that would hold much more charge, Panat said.Another benefit of the new process is that electrodes could now be created from widely available materials like silicone and oxide, which can store five to ten times more energy than the graphite lithium-ion batteries used today, Panat said. But that poses its own set of problems.Because silicon can hold 10 times more lithium atoms, it expands significantly when charged.In the very first charging cycle, the silicon-electrode battery inside the test vehicle would expand to three times its original volume and crack. The battery would be dead, Panat said. The very fact unterstellung materials can hold more lithium becomes the reaso n for their cracking. Its ironic. So stress relief is extremely important.To overcome that, the team added channels and pillars to the electrodes, which keep the battery from expanding. The lithium saturates the electrode, so it has no need to expand.The new electrode-printing method could be commercialized in about four years, Panat said.Right now, were evaluating different materials, different use conditions, and looking at how many recharge cycles these batteries would work for, he said.Jean Thilmany is a freelance writer in St. Paul who frequently writes on engineering topics.Read More Battery CapacityGets a Boost 4D Printing Advances Additive Manufacturing Building Better Batteries

20 In-Demand Jobs With The Most Competition

20 In-Demand Jobs With The Most Competition20 In-Demand Jobs With The Most Competition It comes as no surprise that the job market can be competitive. After all, everyone wants a top job at an amazing company, with benefits, perks and a hefty salary. However, some jobs are harder to score than others, especially when lots of people want the same job. According to Glassdoor senior data analyst Jyotsna Jayaraman, competition is high for jobs when there are mora job seekers than open jobs. Knowing how competitive a job is will prepare you for a longer search, perhaps, but it can also motivate you to really make your resume, cover letter and experience shine.Here are 20 jobs that pay over six figures and will require you to bring your A-game.1. Creative Manager zentralwert Base Salary $112,000 Number of Open Jobs 1,243 Companies Hiring Bluewolf, Edelman Financial Services, Warner Bros. Entertainment Group, Clarus Commerce, FULLBEAUTY Brands, NFL, Saks Fifth Avenue , Aquent, BloomThat, Walt Disney Company & more. Cities Hiring Remote Rocky Hills, CT Burbank, CA Boston, MA San Francisco, CA Fairfax, VA New York, NY Paramus, NJ & more.2. IT Manager zentralwert Base Salary $118,000 Number of Open Jobs 2,718 Companies Hiring Weebly, Amadeus IT Group, Florida Blue, Uptima Group, RedPeg Marketing, Spectrum, CyberCoders, Walgreens, Lands End, FedEx, Amazon & more. Cities Hiring Annapolis, MD Jacksonville, FL Santa Cruz, CA Alexandria, VA Bloomington, IN Basking Ridge, NJ Deerfield, IL Maryland Heights, MO & more.3. Data Scientist Median Base Salary $110,000 Number of Open Jobs 6,875 Companies Hiring Glassdoor, America First Credit Union, Huntington National Bank, Smith Hanley Associates, Johns Hopkins University, Walmart eCommerce, Dicks Sporting Goods, AmeriHealth Caritas, Capital One, SpaceX & more. Cities Hiring Mill Valley, CA Ogden, UT Columbus, OH Chicago, IL Laurel, MD Sunnyvale, CA Laurel, MD Philadelphia, PA Pittsburgh, P A Seattle , WA & more.4. Supply Chain Manager Median Base Salary $102,000 Number of Open Jobs 1,668 Companies Hiring Llamasoft, Therma-Tru, Spectrum Brands, Heineken USA, Materne, QVC, Uline, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC, JC Penney Company, United Technologies & more. Cities Hiring Ann Arbor, MI Maumee, OH Lake Forest, CA White Plains, NY Nampa, ID West Chester, PA Atlanta, GA Lenexa, KS & more.5. Pharmacist Median Base Salary $120,000 Number of Open Jobs 4,213 Companies Hiring Safeway, OhioHealth, Angel Medical Center, UnityPoint Health, Mission Healthcare Services, Lincare, Global Consulting International, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital & more. Cities Hiring North Pole, AK Marion, OH Asheville, NC Tappahannock, VA Clinton, NY Asheville, NC Moline, IL Dyess AFB, TX Omaha, NE Athens, GA & more.6. Procurement Manager Median Base Salary $104,000 Number of Open Jobs 1,205 Companies Hiring WineDirect, Lindt & Sprungli, Morton Salt, Harris Corporation, Bridgestone Am ericas, United Technologies Corporation, Uline, CLEAResult & more. Cities Hiring American Canyon, CA Stratham, NH Chicago, IL Palm Bay, FL Nashville, TN Phoenix, AZ Pleasant Prairie, WI Austin, TX & more.7. Finance Manager Median Base Salary $118,000 Number of Open Jobs 6,445 Companies Hiring Cavender Auto, PNC Bank, Amazon, Goodman Manufacturing Company, Stanford School of Medicine, NBC Universal, Fiserv, Ross School & more. Cities Hiring San Antonio, TX Pittsburgh, PA Sunnyvale, CA Waller, TX Alpharetta, GA Stanford, CA New York, NY Bridgehampton, NY & more.8. Medical Science Liaison Median Base Salary $140,000 Number of Open Jobs 1,373 Companies Hiring Shire Pharmaceuticals LLC, GlaxoSmithKline, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, UCB, Ashfield Commercial & Medical Services, Fairway Consulting Group, Bausch & Lomb & more. Cities Hiring Remote New Haven, CT Houston, TX National City, CA Florham Park,, NJ Northeast, NY & more.9. Engineering Manager Median Base Salary $145,000 Number of Open Jobs 5,263 Companies Hiring LeadGenius, Harris Corporation, Microsoft, VividCortex, EBSCO, NWG Solutions, RJN Group, Nuwest Group, Autodesk, Yelp, Ingredion & more. Cities Hiring Berkeley, CA Rochester, NY Bellevue, WA Charlottesville, VA Clanton, AL Charlottesville, VA Dalls, TX Wenatchee, WA Bedford Park, IL & more.10. Patent Attorney Median Base Salary $150,000 Number of Open Jobs 1,125 Companies Hiring US Department of Justice, DOJ Antitrust Division, Milwaukee Tool, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Dentons, MNF Global, BCG Attorney Search Inc, Barclay Damon LLP & more. Cities Hiring Brookefield, WI Washington, DC Cambridge, MA Dalls, TX Los Angeles, CA Raleigh, NC Rochester, NY Minneapolis, MN & more.11. Management Consultant Median Base Salary $110,000 Number of Open Jobs 3,567 Companies Hiring Sia Partners, Point B, Riverbed Technologies, RealFoundations, Concurrency, Lincoln Financial Group, Logistics Management Institute, Vichara Te chnologies, Booz Allen Hamilton & more. Cities Hiring Charlotte, NC Chicago, IL Washington, DC Newport Beach, CA Fort Wayne, IN Alexandria, VA New York, NY Annapolis, MD & more.12. Technology Manager Median Base Salary $140,000 Number of Open Jobs 2,294 Companies Hiring Ogilvy & Mather, JPMorgan Chase & Co., USAA, TMP Worldwide, CDW, Quicken Loans, Yale University, Prelude Services, Sanford Health & more. Cities Hiring New York, NY Columbus, OH San Antonio, TX San Francisco, CA Detriot, MI New Haven, CT Mechanicsburg, PA Bemidji, MN & more.13. Product Marketing Manager Median Base Salary $116,000 Number of Open Jobs 2,537 Companies Hiring Walnut Street Finance, Hargray, McAfee, Uber, Kahtoola, Microsoft Corporation, LeanTaaS, Poshmark, TSYS, Expedia, US Bank, Aetna & more. Cities Hiring Fairfax, VA Hilton Head Island, SC Santa Clara, CA Alpharette, GA New York, NY Flagstaff, AZ San Diego, CA Redmond, WA Broomfield, CO Cambridge, MA & more.14. Product Manager Median Base Salary $110,00 Number of Open Jobs 17,731 Companies Hiring Facebook, MA Laboratories, Blue Microphones, STIHL Incorporated, Travelbank, Shochwave Medical, TrellisWare Technologies, GTO, Hargray, Nike, Olapic, Aquent & more. Cities Hiring Menlo Park, CA Virginia Beach, VA Washington, DC Tallahassee, FL Hilton Head Island, SC Beaverton, OR Tempe, AZ & more.15. Financial Planning and Analysis Manager Median Base Salary $115,000 Number of Open Jobs 1,380 Companies Hiring Cafepress, Cardinal Health, WellPet, Hulu, ABRA Auto Body & Glass, Patheon, Columbia Care, Foster McKay, Spectrum, Goldman Sachs, Liberty Mutual & more. Cities Hiring Louisville, KY Dublin, OH Tewksbury, MA Brooklyn Park, MN Boston, MA Morris, NJ New York, NY & more.16. Design Manager Median Base Salary $108,500 Number of Open Jobs 1,704 Companies Hiring Therma-Stor, Tuskes Home, SERA Architects, Nike, Ethan Allen, Acromag, United Technologies Corporation, Lands End, AltaSource & m ore. Cities Hiring Madison, WI Bethlehem, PA Houston, TX Portland, OR Schaumburg, IL Wixon, MI East Hartford, CT New York, NY Seattle, WA & more.17. Software Engineering Manager Median Base Salary $150,000 Number of Open Jobs 1,305 Companies Hiring Nike, Lyft, Evariant, AccessData, FastSpring, GuidedChoice.com, Google, Walmart eCommerce, Mobee, Sallie Mae, Comcast, h2o.ai & more Cities Hiring Beaverton, OR Seattle, WA Farmington, CT Lindon, UT Phoenix, AZ Mountain View, CA Boston, MA Newton, MA Mountain View, CA & more.18. Hardware Engineer Median Base Salary $110,000 Number of Open Jobs 1,494 Companies Hiring Open Systems International, Cisco Systems, Russound, Google, Ultra Electronics, PeopleTec, Amazon, Nokia, Mercury Systems, Tesla Motors, Qualcomm, KEYW, HP & more. Cities Hiring Median, MN Newmarket, NH Annapolis Junction, MD Greenford, OH Huntsville, AL Seattle, WA Mountain View, CA Andover, MA Palo Alto, CA Corvallis, OR & more.19. Technical Project Man ager Median Base Salary $100,000 Number of Open Jobs 1,749 Companies Hiring NovaCopy, Riverside Research Institute, Zemsania, Daugherty Business Solutions, Akmai, The HT Group, Blue Apron, PSI Talent Assessment, IBM & more. Cities Hiring Dallas, TX Wright Patterson AFB, OH Boston, MA Chicago, IL San Francisco, CA Irving, TX Richmond, CA Carmel, IN Hillsboro, OR & more.20. Software Engineer Median Base Salary $100,00 Number of Open Jobs 48,065 Companies Hiring Brose, Nike, Star Cutter, JOOR, BirchBox, Aquent, Evariant, Wisewire, NVIDIA, Warner Bros., Raytheon, K-Tek Resourcing LLC & more. Cities Hiring Detroit, MI Beaverton, OR Elk Rapids, MI New York, NY Farmington, CT Asheville, NC Baltimore, MD Santa Clara, CA Tuscon, AZ Houston, TX & more.Methodology For a job to be considered for 20 In-Demand Jobs With The Most Competition report, job titles must receive at least 1,000 searches over the past 30 days and have at least 1,000 active job openings per job title a s of 6/13/17. A job must have also received at least 25 salary reports shared by U.S.-based employees over the past two years (6/1/15-5/31/17). The number of job openings per job title represents active job listings on Glassdoor as of 6/13/17. The companies included represent a sample of companies, across diverse industries, hiring for the specific role as of 7/13/17. This list reveals just a sample of jobs in which U.S. employees report a total median annual compensation of $100,000 or more. Glassdoor data scientists define most competition as when there is more than one job seeker for every one job opening. This report takes into account job title normalization that groups similar job titles. Intern level jobs were excluded from this report.

Why You Should Share Your Crazy Ideas at Work - The Muse

Why You Should Share Your Crazy Ideas at Work - The MuseWhy You Should Share Your Crazy Ideas at Work OK, forget about money and logistics. Tell me what your ideal partnership between our two departments would be, my colleague, Ben, said to me a few weeks ago. Forget about money? I understood why he said that, but when youre used to adhering to a pretty strict budget, its hard to not think about it. Its also hard to not think about all the other factors that may have held you back in the past.When Im tasked with planning an event or program, my mind automatically runs through a checklist. How much will it cost? Will the desired location be available? Can insert department assist with funds and staffing? I need to ensure all bases are covered before my creative process even begins. Dont be afraid to suggest crazy ideas, Ben said, as I sat there thinking and tapping my pen against my notes. When I laughed, he told me that he always starts with crazy ideas, because it helps lead other p eople to have mora realistic but great ones.Hes right, and I need to start thinking more like he does. We all should.Because the thing is, you never know what that wild thought will lead to. Sure, it might be declined right off the bat. Or, perhaps, your suggestion inspires an even better, and more brilliant idea, from your teammate. But maybe, just maybe, the decision-maker surprises you and approves your initial proposal.Im not saying these have to be completely bizarre or fantastical in nature. Im just saying that, sometimes, we need to push convention aside and abandon the standard mold (at least temporarily) to find the best solutions and to take things to the next level. My partner, for instance, works at a community market that also serves as a fast casual restaurant. Since opening almost a year ago, the classic hamburger has been on the menu. A few weeks ago, he suggested they start offering it only on Thursdays. At first, his team thought the idea was trash. Who takes a goo d item- a simple, reliable one- off the menu (except for one day)? But he provided his rationale, so they decided to give it a shot. Prior to this experiment, the store traktement around 45 burgers each week. Last week, they sold 95. Just on Thursday. They more than doubled their sales, and they decreased staffing needs, which helped save more money. Not such a trashy thought after all, eh? Heres the thing. As much as you think you can predict it, you never really know how others will respond. Nor do you always know what other departments or companies can provide or who is actually willing to lend a hand. If you assume everyones answer will be no, if you limit yourself to planning around limitations youve had in the past, youre closing a lot of doors for yourself, your team, and any clients you may serve. So, dont be afraid to propose those long shot, what-if ideas. (And dont be afraid to read this article first on how to get a yes out of anyone.) If the answer is no, you shrug it o ff and move on. But if its yes? Then you just probably put something pretty cool into motion. And thats worth the risk of rejection.

Running an Effective Long-Distance Job Search

Running an Effective Long-Distance Job SearchRunning an Effective Long-Distance Job SearchTips to help keep you in the running with hiring managers when you want to relocate.Now that youve decided you want to relocate and your calculations tell you that the financial math is on your side and you can afford to relocate, theres still one small detail to work out - getting the actual job.Hiring managers across the country are being bombarded with resumes from qualified candidates within their own city, which makes it tough for an out-of-towner to get recognized. To make matters even more challenging, some companies use computer programs to scan each resume to weed out undesirable characteristics such as distant zip codes.Rachel Dotson, a communications manager at the job-distribution service ZipRecruiter.com, says dont fret. She recommends that job seekers looking to relocate should leave their address off the online resume forms. Or if that doesnt work, use the address of a family mem ber or friend thats in the market where the job is.Its a little misleading, Dotson said. But that way you dont get your resume automatically thrown out. She added that tricking a computer and tricking a real person are two totally different things, so once you get to the level where youre dealing with a hiring manager make sure you come clean. Its tricky because you have to be honest about it, Dotson said.The titel letter is often an effective forum for explaining your situation, experts say. Talk about the local market and specific stuff in that city, she said. Present yourself in a way that shows youre going to be there regardless.Lynette Kittle of Colorado has moved for work multiple times with her husband - each taking turns as the job seeker who drove the relocation. When first looking, we include in the cover letter My family and I would like to relocate to. which seems to help, Kittle said. Once one of us has been hired, then the one of us who is still looking changes it to My family and I are relocating to.. But nothing sells a relocation effort like good old-fashioned face time. If the person already knows where they want to move they should go out and attend some career fairs, Dotson said. Being there in person shows how committed you are.When talking about your desired location, Dotson says job seekers should make sure they come off like a native. You dont want to sound like a tourist, she said. Ideally, youll have some sort of a connection. That kind of intel can be attained by making local connections through social media sites, Dotson said, adding that job seekers should take advantage of all types of technology when pursuing a relocation.Even the interviews can be done digitally. Video interviewing is becoming a big thing for a lot of companies, Dotson said. Even people within the city are getting rid of the phone interview for the video interview.Consider Skype to be face time - but with a modern twist. It can be much more convenient for both sides involved, but Dotson warns job seekers not to get too comfortable with the process. At least from the face up be presentable, she said. Dont do it from a Starbucks or somewhere thats noisy. Treat them like any other interview.The next steps to figure out will likely involve plane tickets. By then youll be well on your way to your dream job - in your dream location.

The True Meaning of Sample Email to Send Resume for Job

The True Meaning of Sample Email to Send Resume for Job Top Sample Email to Send Resume for Job Secrets Additionally, it gives an insight into why youre interested in the work opening, yur career summary and the way youre apt for the job. After that, have a look at your own experience and locate the sections of your experience that match the work description. When it isnt formatted correctly, you might be passing up the work prospect. Again, utilize the work description for a guide. In the area of work, quite frequently, you are what you write. Its true, you can ask people that you dont speak to often or people that you dont know super well to assist you in your job hunt. Today people are able to apply for the jobs vacancies just by sitting at home on the web. Sitting at home, they can apply for various jobs on the internet. Top Sample Email to Send Resume for Job Secrets Some employers request that you e-mail your resume in the appropriate format. As soon as youve writte n your amazing cover letter providing more info on your expertise and the way it is related to the job which youre applying for, its very important to format it correctly before sending it to any recruiters. All you have to do is plug in your information and its prepared to use. You may find more details on formal writing here. The Upside to Sample Email to Send Resume for Job Focus on what you could contribute and how this contribution will gain the employer, Campbell states. It is a distinctive means to convey your interest in a special job role in an organization. The intent of a work application is to deliver the comprehensive information regarding your experience and skills to the recruiter in a fast and simplified manner. Many times, employers might ask you to follow instructions in buchung that they can see and react to the email, others might be testing you will read and finish the instructions properly. We are going to explain to you how to compose the ideal subjec t lines when emailing your resume in addition to some excellent examples. Keep in mind, youre not creating a duplicate of your CV. At times youll come across clear instructions on what they want in the topic line. The Basics of Sample Email to Send Resume for Job You could also attempt to determine the name and title of somebody to whom you will be mailing your application. When youve gathered the information that you require, youre prepared to put it into the resume template. Dont cover the incorrect company name or the incorrect company contacts name. Then, type your whole name. Ruthless Sample Email to Send Resume for Job Strategies Exploited As its said, the very first impression is the belastung impression. Whether this candidate is a European resident, you also need to link to your privacy notice to obey GDPR. As you dont need to come across as using a persons name for a foot in the door, framing the connection for a point of reference and credibility may create a s trong effect. Ensure you make the most of the name of the individual who referred you in the topic line. This sample may also be thought of as a networking cover note. Nonetheless, it may make sense to attach a fully formatted, fancy variant of the cover letter together with the resume. The entire cover letter are available here. You may read the complete cover letter (in addition to the work description), at this hyperlink. The Most Popular Sample Email to Send Resume for Job It can help to understand how to manage this. Neglecting to reply may be bad for the transaction between our companies later on. Sample Email to Send Resume for Job Observing any instruction given in the description will offer your resume the very best possibility of reaching the best recipient. If you cant compose a sentence in a professional fashion, I dont really have the confidence you are able to chart on a legal document appropriately. There are a number of ways to choose people as referenc es. The direction you mention references ought to be conversational, therefore it feels as if youre establishing ties rather than simply naming names. A specialist email isnt the exact same as a text or societal media post. Writing a perfect resume email is only a fraction of all of the situations you must keep in mind before you click send. Click the New Email button in the top left corner to begin a new email. Start with reading the work description carefully. The Honest to Goodness Truth on Sample Email to Send Resume for Job You also shouldnt put anything in the topic line that seems like an advertising email. Do a quick LinkedIn and facebook inc search to discover if your buddies, relatives, and connections know somebody who works at the business. There are steps that you may take to make your resume email stick out from the rest. You are able to differentiate your recruiting email by digging a bit deeper. Why Almost Everything Youve Learned About Sample Email to S end Resume for Job Is Wrong Job postings frequently dont list the name of someone to contact and just provide an email address. Studies also have found that 33% of email recipientsdecide whether theyll open an email dependent on the subject line.

The Ultimate Hamburg Resume Writing Service Trick

The Ultimate Hamburg Resume Writing Service Trick Whispered Hamburg Resume Writing Service Secrets Choosing a professional resume writer is a worthwhile investment and might even prove to be among the best decisions in your career. Resume writing is the most significant step in presenting your abilities and receiving the job that you desire. Writing resumes is a common yet critical parte of the work acquisition approach. Writing a good resume is vital as it will result in an applicant getting an interview. One particular special feature offered by Resume Writers Service is that if youre a returning customer, you can find any services for half off the normal price. Resume Planet is thought of as one of the most dependable sources for resumes at affordable prices. You may be able to get what you need at Resume Writing Service, but it appears intentionally difficult to tell how much youre be paying or what level of service you are going to be receiving. Hamburg Resume Writin g Service Options Bottom Line If youre looking for top rated resume writing services, Careers Booster is surely an institution to look at. The reviews might not be taken as the essential element for making the selection of the resume writing service the reviews may occasionally be already outdated, sometimes lack some important info, etc. If you cant locate a review on a certain company you want to know more about, I advise that you take a peek at our top rated resume writing services and pick one from the list.

7 Things to Consider When Beginning a Freelance Career

7 Things to Consider When Beginning a Freelance Career7 Things to Consider When Beginning a Freelance CareerFor many people, freelancing represents the final frontier of career progression, something theyve been working towards their entire career. Freelancing holds numerous possibilities. Autonomy. Flexibility. Control over the projects you take on. And the ability to chart your own course.Every year, more and more people join this growing sector of the workforce. The gig economy, of which freelancing is a parte, encompasses more 55 million U.S. workers. Thats 35 percent of the American workforce, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and that fraction is expected to reach 43 percent by 2020.Indeed, freelancing is becoming a significant part of our economy, making it an exciting time to become a freelancer. Nonetheless, taking this step can feel like a leap of faith. The uncertainty and steep learning curve freelancing brings requires careful thought and, above all, planning. Here are seven things everyone should consider before becoming a freelancer. 1. Why do you want to become a freelancer?Okay, so this one might seem obvious, but asking yourself why should be the very first thing you do. Everybody has their own motivation for transitioning to a freelance career, and there is no correct answer. But youd be surprised how important your answer is in shaping your trajectory.Do you clash often with your boss or coworkers? Is your commute a nightmare? Are you just not a morning person? So often, people are motivated by the negatives of their current situation freelancing becomes their ticket out. Thats fine, but what if you really stopped to ask yourself what freelancing means to you? Are you not passionate about the work youre doing? Do you have a unique voice or talent that freelancing lets you share with the world?Finding something about freelancing that really stokes a fire within you- something that makes it an aspiration, not just an alernative- can make for a far more rewarding experience.2. What can you offer, and why are you the one to offer it?What services are you going to provide as a freelancer? Are you a copywriter? A graphic designer? A web developer? If youre even considering freelancing, youve probably already given some thought to what youll do, but its incredibly important that you hone in on your niche.Freelancing is extremely competitive in most cases, there is already a multitude of people offering similar services. You need to stand out from the crowd and figure out what you can offer that other people arent. Before you begin, scope out the competition see what services people offer that are in line with yours, and see how you can do it differently.3. Do you have a business plan?You dont necessarily need a formal business plan to start freelancing- although many people do prefer to structure their enterprise as an independent business, opening an LLC and recruiting staff. Regardless, your strategy needs some s tructure. In the excitement of freelancing, it can be easy to forget that there is a business side to this endeavor.The Freelancers Union offers some helpful resources for understanding the business aspect of it, including navigating taxes, structuring contracts, and more.4. Do you have a backup plan?Freelancing, by nature, is turbulent. Your prosperity as a freelancer depends on your workflow and client load, and even the most successful freelancer experiences lulls. If youre well situated- financially and within your network of support- to weather the dry spells, then great. Some people thrive on the feast or famine workflow, drowning in work one moment and having very little to do the next. But its not for everyone.Understanding that there will be highs and lows in your business, it helps to have an idea of what youre going to do if things get too turbulent. What will it mean for you if its difficult to find clients, or the work isnt enough to pay the bills? How much time will yo u give yourself to see how things play out before making another career move?5. How are you going to get clients?Getting clients can be one of the scariest and most exciting parts about freelancing. The idea of choosing who you work with, and the projects you undertake, is empowering. However, in a competitive market, finding new clients requires a lot of legwork and an entrepreneurial spirit.Every freelancer should have a website a place to highlight their services and background. But to actually retain clients, it helps to be proactive in promoting yourself- on social media, in job boards. Word of mouth goes a long way if youre in a smaller industry, and connecting with former colleagues or people who know people in need of your services is a great way to get clients. And, of course, there are so many freelancer networks for you to join, which well get to in a moment.6. Do you have the discipline to be successful as a freelancer?Being your own boss is almost overwhelmingly excitin g. For many, freelancing is synonymous with freelance and flexibility. This is true, to an extent, but the most successful freelancers are those who still approach their work with structure and stability.Freelancing requires you to be a self-starter- to be disciplined. Working in your pajamas is fine, but rolling out of bed seven minutes before a kickoff call with a new client? Not so much. Managing your time, being respectful of deadlines, and focusing on your work when the world is literally your office are all essential to success as a freelancer.7. Are you aware of the resources available? Hint theres a lot of them.The gig economy is here to stay, and the job market is evolving to support freelancers in their endeavors. There is a plethora of online resources available for you to find work, connect with other freelancers, and seek advice on some of the logistics of freelancing (i.e. insurance and taxes).UpWork is one of the largest and most popular job sites for freelancers. Med iabistro, Fiverr, CloudPeeps- theres a lot out there for you to take advantage of. Business News Daily has compiled a list of some of the best sites you should consider.Freelancing is always a challenge, but it doesnt have to be scary. Taking the time to explore your options and reflect on your motivations can help you make an informed decision and lead to a rewarding freelancing career.Follow us onTwitterandInstagram.

4 Times Its OK to Be a Workaholic - The Muse

4 Times Its OK to Be a Workaholic - The Muse4 Times Its OK to Be a WorkaholicYou need to get out of the office every now and then. You have to take a break. Youre going to burn out. Stop checking your email every two minutes. You need better work-life balance.Any (or all) of these sound familiar? If youre one of those people who tends to throw your whole self into your job, theyre all phrases youve heard time and time again to warn you against the dangers of becoming a complete workaholic. And, for the fruchtwein part, its valuable and well-meaning advice. Your career is a big part of your life, but it shouldnt be your whole life.Allowing your work to consume far too much of your time is a slippery slope. Before you know it, youre blurry-eyed and exhausted in front of your computer screen at 3AM unable to remember if you even ate dinner. Believe me, Ive been there.So, I wont even try to convince you that being obsessed is a positive thing. It can have dire effects on your personal li fe- not to mention your sanity and your overall outlook.However, every now and then, we all find ourselves in those special circumstances and situations when we simply cant tear ourselves away from our desks. And you know what? I dont think you need to beat yourself up over that. So, here are four times when its perfectly OK for you to be a workaholic. 1. When Youre Under a Tight DeadlineYour boss handed you a project with a ridiculously short deadline. So short, in fact, that you shouldve probably chalked it up as completely unrealistic right from the get-go. But, not you. You enthusiastically agreed to take on the assignment, and now youre committed to sticking with that calendar.Needless to say, that compressed time frame will require you to burn the midnight oil and do whatever you can to get this thing done not only well- but on schedule. Luckily, since the deadline is short, you can rest assured that this ridiculous work routine is only temporary. When you finally get that pro ject completed and handed over? Well, take a personal day and recharge. Youve earned it. 2. When Youre Preparing for Some Time OffEverybodys familiar with that mad dash to get all of your work done and your inbox cleaned out before heading out on a vacation. Its sort of funny, really- we all turn into workaholics in order to take some time off. But, it happens to the best of us. No matter how early you start planning, youll inevitably end up with an assortment of different things to cross of your to-do list in that final week before your break from the office. So, go ahead. Stay late and tackle as much as humanly possible. That way, youll be able to leave for an extended period without feeling guilty and distracted. Even better? That relaxing vacation will seem even sweeter. 3. When You Have a Huge, Important ProjectThat huge sales presentation youre certain will make or break your entire career. That anxiety-inducing meeting with your boss and the board. We all have those big, inti midating projects that we want to do our absolute best on.But, as you already know, your best work typically doesnt happen in a matter of minutes. Instead, it takes long hours, commitment, and your fair share of blood, sweat, and tears. Alright, maybe thats a tad bit dramatic, but you understand where Im going with this. When youre tasked with a major, significant assignment, youre more than entitled to give it your all and do your absolute best- even if that means a few late nights in the office. In the end, there really is a difference between working hard at something and being a complete workaholic. What exactly is that difference? Well, that brings me right into my next point. 4. When Theres an End Goal in SightMy husband is one of the hardest working people I know. Hes studying to be an actuary, which involves a series of torturously difficult professional exams- each of which require at least 300 study hours. So, not only does he work his full-time job as a corporate actuaria l analyst, but also hits the books for hours on end on top of that. When exam time is approaching, hell study three or four hours after work as well as all day on Saturday and Sunday.Yes, you could definitely characterize him as a total workaholic. But, the key here is that theres an end in sight. He has two more exams until he receives his professional designation.So, when youre working toward some huge accomplishment- be it a promotion, a specific certification, finishing that daunting project, or another important achievement- youre allowed to spend a little too much time on your career. Those milestones require hard work and dedication, and you shouldnt simply brush them off because you dont want to be labeled as work-obsessed. However, I do think that this is an area where you need to tread lightly. If you set your end goal as being CEO in 25+ years, that means youll spend your entire life glued to your desk, and nobody wants that. But, if that light at the end of the tunnel is fast approaching and you just need to make that one final strong push to reach it, then- by all means- work to your hearts desire. The reward will be well worth it. In most cases, Id warn you against the dangers of becoming a workaholic. And, even now, Id recommend doing your very best to avoid becoming so attached to your desk that it literally feels like your third arm.However, we all experience those circumstances that require us to crank out a few more hours at work than wed like to. And, thats OK. Theres no shame in working hard- as long as you can recognize when its time to step away and take a break. So, yes, you have my permission to transform into a workaholic every now and then. As they always say, Everything in moderation.

The Ultimate Job Search Playlist

The Ultimate Job Search PlaylistThe Ultimate Job Search Playlist4maximize your job search.Here are 10 motivational tunes compiled by the team here at Eye of the Tiger SurvivorFirework Katy PerryGood Vibrations Marky MarkThese Are Days 10,000 ManiacsDreams The CranberriesDaylight Matt KimPush It to the Limit Paul EngemannGroove Is in the Heart Deee-LiteHappy Pharrell WilliamsDont Stop Believin JourneyListen to our job search playlist here Readers, what songs are a part of your ultimate job search playlist? Does music help motivate you while searching? Let us know in the comments below